Tanker hit off Saudi Arabia's Gulf coast, crew evacuated

A tanker, identified as the Safeen Principal crude oil tanker, was hit by an unknown projectile off Saudi Arabia's Gulf coast on Friday, resulting in the evacuation of its crew, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. The vessel, flagged to the Marshall Islands, was located 68 nautical miles off Jubail when it sustained damage, with all crew members reported safe.

The incident highlights the ongoing threat of Iranian attacks on shipping vessels in the Middle East, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a critical route for one-fifth of global oil exports. Oil prices have risen significantly amid the war, underscoring the economic impact of such attacks on the global energy market.

Brief written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.